The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Donna Pindell, The Quill
Norman Menzenberg
Norman Menzenberg was born in Henry County and raised in the rural area of the Quad Cities.
Norman has 1 sister, the late Marlene (Harry) Townsend and 2 brothers, the late Allen Menzenberg and Marvin (Lenore) Menzenberg.
Lenore and Marvin have 3 children: Matthew (Debra) of Florida, Christine and Beckey who live in the Sioux City, IA area.
Norman attended schools in Eastern Iowa. After graduation, Norman and his brother Allen moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Allen took a job as a mechanic on semi truck tractors and worked his way up to shop foreman.
Norman started to drive a super modified dirt track race car for another person. Norman enjoyed it, then Allen and Norman built their own car and drove it for 7 years.
After 7 years, they sold all the racing equipment and bought a farm in the Missouri river bottoms of South Dakota and farmed there for 7 years.
In 1963, Norman joined the Air Force for a short length of time, then transferred to South Dakota Air National Guard for 6 years.
In 1972, Norman sold the South Dakota farm and bought a farm near Moberly, Missouri.
On this farm, Norman grain farmed and raised feed out hogs. He also sold Funk's G and Asgrow seeds.
In the fall of 2004, Norman retired and sold the farm and equipment and moved to the Raritan area to an acreage. His brother Allen passed away 18 months after retirement.
Currently, Norman lives in the rural area between Raritan and Stronghurst with his significant other, Janet Lafary. They attend the Raritan Baptist Church.
Norman is an adjutant for the Henderson County American Legion in Stronghurst and holds a position on the Henderson County Zoning board.
Norman and Janet have a vintage kit car that they purchased which was built by the late Bill Brown. They cruise around the area with it and attend some car shows.
Norman started doing woodworking after retirement. Norman said, "It is a great hobby." When a grandchild gets married, he builds a piece of furniture to their liking. When a new baby is born into the family, he builds a large toy box for them.
Norman has taken old junk lawn mowers and made covered wagons and hay racks from them. He also does metal fabrication projects.
Norman and Janet also have the barrel train that is used at Stronghurst Fall Festival and the Christmas Walk, which at times is a very cold ride. They also take the train to the Henderson County Fair, the Olde Tymers show and other events in area towns and villages giving rides. Norman said, "I enjoy it."
Family is Janet and Norman's top priority. They have family gatherings on all holidays at Norman and Janet's home in the family room and yard. Wagon rides for all ages are always a big hit and so much fun.
Norman plans to enjoy life each and every day and help others in the future.
Norman says, "The people in this area are the greatest and kind hearted to be with."